Islam Times - France ‘highly’ concerned over Israel plan to build 1000s more settler units

France ‘highly’ concerned over Israel plan to build 1000s more settler units

Islam Times - French President Francois Hollande has expressed high concern over Israel’s plan to build thousands more settler units on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

"I said as the French foreign minister did, that we are highly preoccupied by what was announced” by Israel, Hollande said at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti in the city of Lyon in east-central France on Monday.

Holland made the remarks after the country summoned the Israeli ambassador to Paris to protest Tel Aviv’s decision to construct 3,000 more illegal settler units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) and the West Bank, including in the controversial E1 area.

“The measures announced are in opposition to dialogue and [Israel] should go back on them,” Holland said.

E1 is a sensitive zone between East al-Quds and the West Bank, which would fragment territory, Palestinians want for state.

The French leader, however, went on to say that Paris would not “shift into sanctions mode. We are more focused on persuading. It's an important moment, but I appeal for responsibility."

Israel’s new project has also prompted an expression of “grave” concern from the UN and caused Britain, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain to likewise summon the Israeli ambassadors to their capitals.

Yet, the Israeli regime has snubbed the international opposition to the plan, saying it would go ahead with the decision.

"Israel will continue to secure its vital interests even in the face of international pressure. The decision will stand,” sources close to Israeli Prime Minister Banjamin Netanyahu have said.